Miami’s elite kicked off the Miami International Boat Show weekend with the River Yacht Club’s posh pre-opening party. More than 2,000 attendees entered the expansive space to celebrate the unveiling of the brand-new chic hotspot on the Miami River. Guests got to experience a sneak peek of the club as they hopped around from the multiple areas of the party, marveling at the exquisite offerings of each space and indulging in canapés including oysters, spicy shrimp, fruit platters, crudité, and Feta-melon bites. Partygoers sipped on Pernod Ricard, Perrier Jouët, Absolut Elyx, Avion Tequila and Evian & Badoit along with beautiful pink cocktails garnished with rosemary thread sprigs from FOS Mastiha.

Anetta Nowosielska, Stephane Dupoux and family

Photo Credit: River Yacht Club

The event spared no expense with elaborate nautical-themed décor, fire dancing performers, live music acts from the Afrobeta Band and delectable food and drinks. An impressive display of VanDutch luxury yachts lined up along the dock, showcased for partygoers to admire throughout the night. Later in the evening, opera singer Elizabeth Zito left partygoers entranced with her beautiful of cover of Pink Floyd’s “The Great Gig in the Sky,” belting the lyrics atop one of the spectacular VanDutch yachts docked on site.

Fabien Lepaitre Director of Operatons for RYC

Photo Credit: River Yacht Club

The River Yacht Club partnered with VanDutch Yachts to create the prestigious brand’s first-ever VanDutch lounge, which overlooks the club. The spot quickly became the epicenter of the event as guests moved upstairs to check out the second-floor gem. The ultra-exclusive lounge area offers unique mixology and a spectacular view of the Miami River for club members to relax and unwind.

The River Yacht Club is set to open its doors to the public on February 24, 2016. River Yacht Club is located at 401 SW 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33130 and serves lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. For additional information, call 305.200.5716 or visit www.RiverYachtClub.com.